The Council of the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) today confirmed Dr. Raffaele Chiulli as its leader following the tragic death of Patrick Baumann.

Dr. Chiulli will carry out the duties until he is endorsed at the GAISF General Assembly in May next year. This will ensure the continuity of GAISF service provision to its members. As President of UIM, the World Powerboating Federation, and of ARISF, the Association of Recognised International Sports Federations, Dr. Chiulli is a highly experienced and respected sports administrator.

The Italian, President of the Association of International Olympic Committee Recognised Federations, has assumed interim charge as head of the GAISF Council. Chiulli will be at the helm of GAISF until a permanent President is chosen at next year’s General Assembly, scheduled to be held during the SportAccord Summit in Gold Coast in May.

Speaking at the opening of the IF Forum in Lausanne, Dr. Chiulli reinforced his commitment to GAISF’s alignment with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and to GAISF’s future as an effective service provider to its members.

Earlier, addressing members, Dr. Chiulli clarified his role and the future direction of GAISF. He said: “I am humbled to have the responsibility and thankful to members of the Council for their continued support and valuable inputs and for their trust and confidence.”

“Our task is clear and our direction has been set by Patrick Baumann himself.”

As the organisation builds for the future the Council also confirmed the appointment of current Head of Administration Philippe Gueisbuhler as GAISF Director.

Patrick Baumann had numerous high-ranking sporting roles, including serving as an International Olympic Committee (IOC) member, International Basketball Federation (FIBA) secretary general and on the World Anti-Doping Agency Executive Committee.